The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser Versus Transparent Lab Oil Based Cleanser
Updated on January 25, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe . They have a total of 2 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, parabens, silicones or sulfates
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser 20 ingredients
Transparent Lab Oil Based Cleanser 9 ingredients
Free from
Safety & Ethics
pH Level 6
Canadian Brand
Free from
Safety & Ethics
Spanish Brand
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser 20 ingredients
Transparent Lab Oil Based Cleanser 9 ingredients
Ingredients, at a glance
What's in this product, and how it might affect your skin.
Notable Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients, at a glance
What's in this product, and how it might affect your skin.
Notable Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Squalane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is created from fatty coconut alcohol, caprylic acid, and capric acid.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
Sucrose Stearate is derived from stearic acid and sucrose (sugar). It is an emollient and emulsifier.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
Isoceteth-20 comes from Isocetyl Alcohol. It is an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. It does this by preventing certain ingredients from separating.
Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Antioxidant3 Benefits
Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone is a synthetically created molecule made to mimic ginger extract.
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate is used to help stabilize a product.
Malic Acid is an acid with both AHA and BHA properties, but is considered an AHA because its AHA properties are stronger.
8 BenefitsMay worsen Rosacea
Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
Chlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative. It helps protect a product against bacteria in order to extend shelf life. In most cases, Chlorphenesin is paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol.
Squalane, Water, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Glycerin, Sucrose Stearate, Ethyl Macadamiate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sucrose Laurate, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Sucrose Dilaurate, Sucrose Trilaurate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Isoceteth-20, Sodium Polyacrylate, Tocopherol, Hydroxymethoxyphenyl Decanone, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Malic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Chlorphenesin
Ethylhexyl Palmitate is created from 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and palmitic acid. It is a fatty acid ester.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
Triethylhexanoin is created from glycerin and 2-ethylhexanoic acid. It is a solvent and emollient.
Isostearyl Isostearate comes from Isostearyl Alcohol and Isostearic Acid. It is usually derived from vegetables, such as canola oil.
Isopropyl isodecanoate is a lipid created from isopropyl alcohol and isostearic acid.
Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate comes from Isostearic Acid and glycerin.
Squalane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.
Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil Phytosterol Esters is an oil and isn't fungal acne safe.
Not safe for Fungal Acne
Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
Antioxidant
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Squalane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.
Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.
Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.
Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).
In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.
The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.
Is squalane vegan?
This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Learn more about SqualaneCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
Within a product, Caprylic Triglyceride can thicken the product and make spreadability easier by dissolving clumping compounds. An added benefit of Caprylic Triglyceride is its antioxidant properties.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Caprylic Triglyceride has not been found to be toxic for human use in concentrations under 50%.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser 20 ingredients
Transparent Lab Oil Based Cleanser 9 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser 20 ingredients
Jacob
Been using this for a couple years now - I find it to be a light non-drying cleanser.
Would recommend for people with dry/sensitive skin!
Taynara Motta
I've struggled with fungal acne for the longest time and used to ran away from cleasing oils, but decided to give this one a try and has been...
I've struggled with fungal acne for the longest time and used to ran away from cleasing oils, but decided to give this one a try and has been working beautifully on my skin. It doesn't have many potential FA triggers on it, plus the main ingredient is squalane. Definitely a good option for FA sufferers who are looking to incorporate cleasing oils in their routines.
I’m looking at this for the same reason so thank u! I noticed ppl in the subreddit used it and liked it too :)
I’m looking at this for the same reason so thank u! I noticed ppl in the subreddit used it and liked it too :)
Transparent Lab Oil Based Cleanser 9 ingredients
KristinKlaus_512
A really pleasant oil-cleanser! The consistency is more watery, I need about 3-5 pumps for my face and neck, depending on how much makeup I'm...
A really pleasant oil-cleanser! The consistency is more watery, I need about 3-5 pumps for my face and neck, depending on how much makeup I'm wearing. I love how easy it is to use-- I have very sensitive skin, so I appreciate how quickly it removes makeup and I don't need to rub my skin excessively. The affordable price and beautiful glass bottle are great as well!
